Mexican authorities rescue jaguars, puma and Bengal tiger from illegal captivity

State and federal officials in Quintana Roo rescued 15 wild animals on 9 June from a 60‑hectare property near Playa del Carmen. The seized fauna included five jaguars, four black jaguars, a puma, a howler monkey, two macaws, a raven and a Andean condor, all found in small cages without food or water. The operation involved the state prosecutor’s office, the federal environmental protection agency (PROFEPA) and the state environmental secretariat, and the animals were transferred to specialized care.

In Zapopan, near Guadalajara, a separate raid on a residence in the Valle Real neighborhood resulted in the seizure of a Bengal tiger, two royal parrots, a golden conure, a Morelet's crocodile, and a ball python. The investigation was triggered by a citizen tip and carried out by PROFEPA, the Federal Prosecutor’s Office and federal police under a court order. All specimens were taken into custody for evaluation and protection under Mexican wildlife regulations.